The Anatomy of Sacred Breath - Cristiane Machado - Anamaya Costa Rica Yoga Retreat Hotel Teacher Training, Surf Camp and Eco Lodge

The Anatomy of Sacred Breath – Cristiane Machado

The Anatomy of Sacred Breath: An Empowering and Transformative Retreat in Costa Rica.

 

You’ve been holding your breath… through the stress, the responsibilities, the quiet self-doubt. It’s time to exhale.


This is more than a yoga retreat. The Anatomy of Sacred Breath is a week in Costa Rica designed to help you release what’s heavy, reconnect to your body’s wisdom, and remember who you are underneath it all.

 

Through customizable experiences like yoga classes, breathwork, sacred cacao, and more – you’ll create space to rest, reset, and maybe even reinvent yourself.

 

You don’t need to fit into someone else’s itinerary – you get to choose your own healing journey.

“This trip really exceeded all expectations. The place is as beautiful as the pictures would suggest! Cristiane was awesome, and provided options for all levels. Nearby activities (zipline, beach, surfing, etc.) fun and easy to get to. The food was delicious, and the kitchen asked each of us our preferences and provided accordingly. I’d love to come back and spend another week soon!” – Phil

Retreat Dates:

Nov 15 - 22, 2025

RETREAT DETAILS

Personalize your retreat:  You can do all, some or none of the 10 yoga classes (at $18 each) and/or 2-4 specialized workshops (prices below).  We also offer many adventurous excursions and spa services.  All these things are optional and will be paid at the end of the week when you checkout. This allows us to offer you the lowest price possible and for you to personalize your week to perfection, based on how you’re feeling.

Options include: Surf Lessons, Zipline Canopy Tour, Bioluminescence Boat Trip, Tortuga Island Snorkeling Boat Trip, Cooking Class, Salsa Dancing Class, Guided or Free Nature Hikes and most every type of Bodywork and many cutting edge Wellness & Biohacking Services.

Rates for Retreat

Base Rates:  This includes 7 nights of accommodations and all meals.  50% paid as a deposit & 50% on arrival. 

Occupancy Type
Dorm
Triple
Double
Single
$895
$1,195
$1,395
$1,995

*The base rates are per person and don’t include yoga classes, workshops, excursions or sales tax.

During this week with Cristiane, this is what you can expect:

  • The profound connection between breath and body, discovering how every inhalation and exhalation can unlock hidden dimensions of well-being.
  • The physical anatomy of breath, gaining insight into how your respiratory system functions and how it can be optimized for self-healing and vitality.
  • The transformative benefits of conscious breathing, including improved mental clarity, enhanced emotional balance, reduced stress, and increased energy levels. Breathing is the key to grounding yourself, sparking creativity, and deepening relaxation.  
  • Techniques to harness the power of your breath for self-regulation and spiritual connection. Participants will take home several effective breath techniques crafted for emotional regulation, allowing you to navigate life’s challenges with ease and tranquility.  

The Essence of Sacred Breath Workshop:  

This workshop will guide you to cultivate mindfulness through your breath, allowing you to embrace the sacredness of each inhale and exhale. Nurturing your breath promotes inner tranquility and enhances your ability to connect authentically with the world around you.

Unveil the secrets of “The Anatomy of Sacred Breath,” and let the winds of transformation uplift your spirit and enhance your journey!

This 4 hour workshop is divided into 2 sessions that are 2 hours each, and the price is $135 per person.

 

Cacao Ceremony:

“CHOCOLATE IS A DIVINE, CELESTIAL DRINK, THE SWEAT OF THE STARS, THE VITAL SEED, DIVINE NECTAR, THE DRINK OF THE GODS, PANACEA AND UNIVERSAL MEDICINE.”
~ ANTONIO LAVEDÁN, SPANISH ARMY SURGEON, 1796

Sacred Cacao

“I first experienced Cacao and its physical and emotional healing powers, when my dear friend, student and teacher, Liz Getman returned from Guatemala with some Cacao and we officiated the very first Cacao Ceremony, connecting Metta Meditation and Reiki. We were a group of 5 friends and we ALL had an experience of rebirth.Since then, I have been blessed to officiate many wonderful and magical Sacred Cacao ceremonies. I have experimented and experienced many Cacao ceremonies along my travels through Central America, and I rose in love with Cacao from Costa Rica, cultivated by The BriBri Tribe.” – Cristiane Machado

What is Cacao?

Native to tropical regions of the world, cacao is chocolate before the processing—an unsugared, unadulterated form of one of the world’s favorite treats. Cacao’s scientific name, “Theobroma cacao,” translates to the “Food of the Gods” and for good reason. Known as a superfood, cacao is high in magnesium, calcium, antioxidants, and iron and is an incredible mood booster! One of our favorite cacao properties is anandamide, a neurotransmitter known as the bliss molecule. For those with an interest or background in yoga and/or Hindu philosophy, you may know that the word “ananda” means bliss and refers to a higher state of being. Cacao facilitates our goal of achieving that blissful state and deepens our connection to our highest selves.

According to indigenous myth, when the balance between humankind and nature is threatened, cacao comes from the rainforest to open our hearts and return us to harmony. Already have a connection to chocolate? We invite you to experience another dimension of that connection—a deeply spiritual or shamanic one. Sacred cacao partners with us, facilitating the journey inward and the discovery of our truest, most love-filled selves.

What is a Cacao Ceremony?

It is a gathering honoring ancient wisdom of the Mayans and Aztecs and the cultures of South and Central America. There is a sage and palo santo opening and cleansing of the energies and purification of the body before attendees sit in a circle.

Ceremonies officiated by Cristiane start with opening the 4 corners of the world and inviting the guidance of IxCacao Goddess of cacao by Mayan traditions and the Cacao, prepared solely with water (spices and sweeteners can be added) is blessed in preparation. After the Cacao is served also in a ceremonial and ritualistic manner, Cristiane guides the attendees in a Self Exploratory meditation that clears and connects mind, voice and heart.

What to expect?

Cristiane invites you to NOT have any expectations… and, some participants have experienced tingling on their skin, energy that rises up to the eyes (crying a s purifying and wonderful tool of self healing), some felt euphoria, and at times, a deep sense of liberation and joy. Many of Cristiane’s clients who have worked closely with Cacao, have shared that they no longer make use of antidepressants or other psychotropic drugs.

Price for the ceremony is $50

 

Z-Fit Movement Workshop

This movement class based on self expression and the unlocking of our hips.

The music is international and the moves are simple and tantalizing. This is for everyone – even the non dancers – to get a fantastic workout that does not feel like a workout. It is a FUN, EASY and ENJOYABLE way to connect with our own bodies and one another with no attachment to performance. It is an invitation to LET IT GO and FEEL the sounds as we move! It is an opportunity to meet yourself exactly where you are and LOVE it!!!

Price is $15

Cristiane Machado

Cristiane Machado, a Brazilian-born citizen of the Universe, is a passionate advocate for reconnecting with our divine essence and collective consciousness through therapeutic tools. After moving to the USA in 1999 and attending the Florida School of Massage, Cristiane embarked on a transformative journey that deepened her connection to energy work, yoga, and meditation—practices that reignited her spiritual awakening.

A dreamer at heart, Cristiane envisions a world of equality and community, where everyone is valued beyond societal labels. As a bodyworker, 200-hour yoga guide specializing in Hatha Yoga, and facilitator of well-being, she creates safe spaces for growth and transformation. Cristiane’s journey led her to Montezuma, Costa Rica, where she continues to guide others in reawakening their divinity through yoga retreats, sacred cacao circles, and her YogaLoka Project.

Cristiane’s teaching philosophy centers on Yoga as a lifelong practice, a path to self-knowledge, acceptance, and inner peace. She believes in the power of connecting breath, physical effort, and observation to achieve well-being and heal old patterns. Her inclusive teaching style blends Hatha, Yin, and laughing yoga, making the practice accessible to all. Cristiane’s greatest joy is helping her students take their yoga practice off the mat and into the world, fostering kindness and connection.

“I can’t say enough positive words to describe my stay at Anamaya. The place itself is gloriously beautiful. The staff are caring, warm, attentive and kind. The food was delicious, creative, healthy and satisfying. The spa services are remarkable. The two yoga decks are so beautiful. There are many fun day trips to choose from… it doesn’t get much better than this.” – Karen

Join us at Anamaya Resort for a week long retreat and let the transformation begin!
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